BIFA issues return to work guidance

BIFA is receiving enquiries from Members regarding what steps they should be taking in order to facilitate their return to work when the current lockdown restrictions are eased by the Government.

At the time of writing, it is difficult to provide precise answers because there are numerous variables including:

• The lack of specific guidance from Government relative to the lockdown easing
• Member’s business activities
• Premises layout

In this guidance, we intend to highlight the main areas for consideration and identify the key elements for potential inclusion in any such plan. From Government announcements, it is clear, that there will have to be considerable changes when people return to work compared to the pre-23 March 2020 situation.

Our suggestion would be to think carefully and document relative to your business the risks, the scale of that risk and potential ways to mitigate them.

At this point it is essential to emphasise this key point, the safe return of all staff to work must be the primary concern of all employers. Also, it makes good business sense, staff who feel safe and valued make better colleagues and, a second lockdown due to a further Coronavirus outbreak would probably be even more damaging in both human and economic terms than the initial one.